Tottenham Hotspur have had a disappointing 2019-20 season after reaching the final of the Champions League last year.
After guiding Spurs to four consecutive top-four finishes, former boss Mauricio Pochettino was sacked in November after a shocking start to the Premier League season, and was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Since the Portuguese manager has taken over, Spurs have seen an improvement in their form, but they remain eighth in the table and seven points adrift of the top four.
The loss of Christian Eriksen in January and injuries to Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son have made things difficult for the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, and he will be hoping for a little more luck when football gets back underway.
Spurs face his old side United in their first match back and to prepare for the return of the Premier League, we have prepared six statistics to remind you about Spurs’ season so far…
Defensive weakness
With back fours boasting the likes of Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose over the past few seasons, Spurs have been a strong side defensively.
However, with Trippier and Rose leaving the club, Vertonghen’s contract coming to an end and injuries hitting Ben Davies, Spurs have not been the same solid outfit that they have been in the past.
With 29 matches played, they have conceded 40 goals and have the 12th best record in the division.
Away day woes
Spurs’ away form will be of real concern to Mourinho, with his side picking up just three league wins away from North London all season.
They have also lost on the road on six occasions and have picked up just 15 points from 15 away fixtures.
Winless since February
Although no one has featured since March, Spurs actually picked up their last win in the Premier League on February 16.
Mourinho’s team lost five of their last six games prior to the suspension of football in March and while injuries can account for this somewhat, the pressure will be on when they return.
Disciplinary issues
With 63 yellow cards and three red cards, Spurs have the joint-worst disciplinary record in the Premier League alongside their North London rivals Arsenal.
This should be something Mourinho looks to address with immediate effect, as he looks to ensure that suspensions do not further hinder his progress.
Counter attackers
The counter-attack is a philosophy that many would associate with both Pochettino and Mourinho and it is borne out in the stats, with Spurs scoring the joint-third most counter-attack goals in the league.
With five so far, only Liverpool and Leicester City have been more dangerous on the break and with Son and Kane returning, it would be no surprise to see them add to their tally.
Youth movement
Pochettino was renowned for his emphasis on youth and it seems Mourinho has looked to continue that policy.
So far this year, Spurs have featured nine players aged 23 or under, with academy graduates Oliver Skipp, Troy Parrott, Kyle Walker-Peters and Japhet Tanganga all earning valuable game time.
